Tell us a little bit about your journey after Laurier 

After leaving Laurier in 2017, I attempted to find employment in the field of social work.  Being in my late 30's at the time, I had my own expectations of how much of my time I would devote to my family, my career, and life in general.  I also had 2 daughters and an expectation of what I desired for their lives.  What I found were jobs that paid too little or that required way too much time.  I decided to start my own social work practice, Matlock Corley Community Solutions.  My primary focus is therapy for women of colour and the BIPOC community.  However, I also spent time contracting as a social worker in a Long-Term Care centre and speaking on issues that affect people of African descent and the BIPOC community.

You are quite open about your experience starting a family and about the challenges you’ve had with your physical and mental health. Can you share with us how that experience has impacted you as a social worker, and how this perspective affects your advocacy within the healthcare system?

The issues I've had with physical health and mental health are not unique; particularly for Black people in the medical system.  A Google search will generate scholarly and magazine articles about the implicit bias that is evident when Black people are being treated.   What this creates is a level of stress and distrust that has clearly been seen during this pandemic. And rightfully so!  Knowing the struggles that I've been through, it is my job as a human and a social worker to support Black people and people of colour in navigating these systems.  Yes, people of colour need full access to medical and mental health care.  Yes, their hesitancy needs to be addressed and dealt with.  Yes, this will take time and great care to do. It is my job to walk with my clients, ensure they are properly informed, and support their decisions when it comes to these matters.

You readily identify as a wife, mother, advocate, and woman of African descent, and your practice has a focus on BIPOC therapy. Can you share with us your philosophy on BIPOC therapy and any advice you have for social workers who want to work with BIPOC clients?

Everyone has a story.  Their story has ups and downs, twists and turns, but ultimately it is THEIR story to tell and to write.  I try my best to learn each story from my clients and support them in editing or continuing their story however they would like.  For those who are not BIPOC therapists, I would strongly encourage learning the history of the people you are supporting through many programs available online or in-person so that you can be of assistance to them.

As a therapist during these unprecedented times, what advice or suggestions can you provide to people who are feeling the strain of this pandemic and are struggling with anxiety and all the other emotions that have arisen during this rough start to 2022?

Click here to view Evalena’s advice!


Just for fun, could you tell us about a favourite memory at Laurier?

My favourite Laurier memory is walking into the class of Dr. Martha Kuwee Kumsa.  What a dynamic human and educator!  She literally catered a buffet for every. single. class.  (Who does that?  Buy your own grub!) She took the time to learn more about each of us, encouraged us in whatever 'fight' we were in (social workers tend to spend a lot of time fighting) and showed us how to properly protest for those causes that are unjust. She sang and enjoyed music with us, which is a wonderful form of self-care. Not to mention her reading list...profound!  This is my favorite memory of my time at Laurier.